By: L. Bloore, Director of Music
We have just returned from a truly fantastic Choir Tour to Sorrento, with our 35 strong choir entertaining audiences in Sorrento Cathedral, Sorrento Basilica and Saint Antonio Casa di Riposa (a care home).
We were extremely lucky to be greeted by sunshine and warm weather while storm Dennis was in the UK. This meant that our excursions to Pompeii and Amalfi were enjoyable, and we could take in the incredible history and scenery around us. We also visited the Naples Archeological Museum, in which we could see more of the artefacts and discoveries from Pompeii, as well as going deep into the underground caves and cisterns, starting first in a Roman amphitheatre which was discovered underneath housing in the city centre. This was both fascinating and informative.
Our concerts were well attended and gave us the opportunity to perform in some beautiful surroundings. We were really touched by audience response in all venues, with much congratulations and thanks, but especially so in the care home. After our concert, we were asked to sing one more piece, as the audience were crying tears of joy. We reprised ‘Come to Me’ by Dan Forrest as our encore, and their reaction was very moving. Then, spontaneously, the large audience fo resident, family, friends and staff, sang for us. They sang ‘Torna a Surriento’ a Neapolitan song which celebrates the beauty of the area, and asks that we do not leave as it will break their hearts. As well as singing, one of the residents could see that our students were trying to sing with them, and picked out Sebastian S. who danced and sang with her – what a star!
We couldn’t have been more proud of our wonderful students. They were great company, and always interested and positive. It was a joy to be with them, and lovely to watch new friendships forming, and old ones getting stronger. Musically, I am in no doubt that each person gave their best, and was proud of the attention to detail and high standard of singing we produced. Special mention to Isabelle C., Ronnie B. and Charlotte A. who also sang solo pieces in the concerts.
Many thanks also to the awesome staff who were part of this trip; Mr Nunn, Mr Lavery and Miss Cranmer. All in all, this was a concert tour to remember, and we can’t wait to get the next one organised.
